- Ipswich
01473 229 200 - Colchester
01206 766 333 - London
0207 722 9898
Block Management Legal Services in Essex, Suffolk and London
Attwells Solicitors are block management specialists. We offer a jargon-free block management legal service to freeholders, managing agents and all other property professionals, ensuring you receive good and practical advice when you need it most.
Attwells Solicitors work with a full range of property professionals from property developers to residential management companies (RMC). We also undertake block management legal support for right to manage companies (RTM).
Typically, leasehold apartments are within purpose-built residential apartment blocks. Common areas such as roofing, external walls, gardens and parking areas therefore require maintenance. This work is carried out by a block management company and paid for via the service charges applied to each leaseholder.
Residential Management Companies
Due to the varied nature of purpose-built apartment blocks, the role of a residential management companies (RMC) can be very broad. As Attwells are property law experts, we are able to support block management firms or managers with all the common issues associated with managing a block in addition to any other related or subsequent property issues.
These include:
- Enforcing breaches of covenant
- Documenting licences for alterations
- Dealing with assignment formalities such as receipting notices and documenting stock transfers
- Tackling nuisance tenants
- Dealing with unauthorised subletting and AirBnB lettings
- Recovering service charge arrears We are also experts in the law relating to Lease extensions and can assist landlord’s in procuring the optimum outcomes from applications are made
In addition to boarder commercial and business legal matters.
Right to Manage (RTM)
Right to Manage gives the leaseholders the statutory right to take over the management of the apartment block or building from the landlord. This means the leaseholders will own the freehold as a collective group, known as a collective enfranchisement.
If you have recently obtained the Right to Manage, we would recommend you seek legal advice. A good property law solicitor will be able to outline your responsibilities and offer you practical advice. Equally the Lease Advisory Service offers some good initial advice on this matter.
Ground Rent Portfolio Management
Property investment portfolios can be a bountiful investment over a long period of time. However, managing a ground rent portfolio can be time consuming, especially with ever changing regulations to comply with.
Attwells can provide you with legal support resolving many of the complex issues an administer can face. We offer monthly retainer packages, or you can choose to pay as you go. Where possible Attwells will always try and offer fixed fees.
Your solicitor will be able to offer you jargon-free advice in relation to:
- Collecting ground rent and service charges and debt recovery
- Lease reviews and compliance
- Lease extensions
- Collective Enfranchisement
- Resolving Dispute
How much would I pay?
Where possible Attwells will offer a fixed fee service however, some of our block management clients prefer to pay a monthly retainer fee. This offers block managers the freedom to call a property solicitor regarding a range of legal matters as and when they occur.
Our monthly retainer packages start from £500 + vat based on a 12-month fixed contract.
We will always advise you on the best way to recover costs having regard to the terms of the lease and, where possible, we will seek to recover your costs pursuant to the terms of the lease.
When will I pay?
You will need to pay 50% of the legal fee in advance together with any disbursements identified.
How do instruct Attwells?
Simply click on the instruct buttons within this page or call your local office.